Why does a snake have a forked tongue, a desert fox such big ears? Why do some lizards move so slowly most of the time? How do you persuade a hedgehog to uncurl when it’s rolled up in a tight, little, spiky ball? (answers at the end)
All these questions, and more, were answered for our Y3 boys by Steve from the Dinosaur, Wildlife and Education Centre (DWAEC) on Wednesday, as he revealed the amazing adaptions animals use to thrive in the extreme environments in which they live.
During the afternoon, the boys met a range of incredible animals living in some of the most inhospitable parts of our extreme Earth. They learned about their fascinating behaviours and saw up-close that most are not scary if you understand and respect them.
“Thank you so much for letting us meet your amazing animals, wowing us and teaching us so much too.”
*Answers
Snakes have poor eyesight, so rely on their tongue to ‘see’ by smelling and tasting their surroundings. Their incredible forked tongues can sense each side of the room, so they can tell if their prey is to the left or right.
Desert foxes have big ears to listen for sounds of prey in the sand, as well as to dispel body heat to keep them cool.
Some lizards choose to move slowly to conserve energy. If they are not in danger, they are just not in a rush.
To persuade a hedgehog to uncurl, you simply tickle it on the back of its neck.